Lopes make an impressive splash at first home meet of the season

Friday, November 3

Phoenix, Ariz.

3 PM

Grand Canyon

Idaho

Lopes make an impressive splash at first home meet of the season

11/3/2017 11:09:00 PM | Men's Swimming and Diving, Women's Swimming and Diving

Grand Canyon women's swimming and diving defeat the University of Idaho 162-81

By: Nathan Okonek

PHOENIX-- The Grand Canyon women's swimming and diving team made an impressive splash in their first home meet of the 2017-2018 season. The Lopes defeated Western Athletic Conference opponent, the University of Idaho Vandals, by a score of 162-81.

After dropping last years meet to Idaho, 171.5-128.5, Head Coach Steve Schaffer wasn't quite sure what to expect out of his team, but for the second meet in a row, the Lopes put on a convincing display, winning every event but one.

"The women made what we thought would be a close meet, into a very strong victory," Schaffer said.

A strong victory indeed, as Menna Elmidany had a day of dives she will never forget. The junior from Alexandria, Egypt, broke both of the Lopes previous team records in the 1-meter diving event with a score of 252.68 and in the 3-meter dive with a score of 293.55, which qualified Elmidany for the NCAA Zone Diving Championships in the 3-meter event in Flagstaff, AZ, this upcoming March.

After being named Western Athletic Conference Women's Swimmer and Diver of the Week, for Oct. 17-23, Samiha Mohsen's last meet success carried over to today, finishing first in the 50 Yard Freestyle with a time of (23.48), 100 Yard Freestyle (51.41) and contributing to a first place time of 1:35.94 in the 200 Yard Freestyle Relay with freshman Diana Jaruseviciute, sophomore Kenya McCray and sophomore Salma Zaitoun.

Roaia Mashaly also had an outstanding day as the sophomore from Egypt had a plethora of first place finishes, winning the 200 Yard Freestyle (1:52.66), 500 Yard Freestyle (5:04.65) and contributing to a first place finish in the 400 Yard Medley Relay (3:49.13).

From the freshman to the seniors, Coach Schaffer couldn't be happier with how every member of the team contributes to the teams success.

"We showed great depth across the board," Schaffer said. "Seeing the strength of our depth is very encouraging because that is what we will need to win the WAC Championships in February."

The women are back in action tomorrow at noon as they look to improve to a 2-0 record on the weekend, taking on the Air Force Academy at the Fr Edward J. Reese Aquatic Center.

The Grand Canyon men's swimming and diving team will also be competing tomorrow at noon, as the Lopes continue day two of their meet against the Air Force Academy.